YashicaMat 124G

[paulownian]

If you know anything at all about economics, son, it is that the market determines all in the business world. You, as the artist, may enjoy the shit out of one particular tool of the trade, while, on the other hand, your clients require, and pay you to use another. Reality is a bitch, isn't it, little one.

As I said before, I love my little 124G - I just don't rely on it to make my living.

 

[paulownian]

If you know anything at all about economics, son, it is that the market determines all in the business world. You, as the artist, may enjoy the shit out of one particular tool of the trade, while, on the other hand, your clients require, and pay you to use another. Reality is a bitch, isn't it, little one.

As I said before, I love my little 124G - I just don't rely on it to make my living.

 

[Jim Jones]

I've casually used Yashica TLRs for 30+ years. When they work, they make good images. My Leica and Nikon 35mm gear has been much more reliable. The first Yashica TLR I considered buying, maybe a model D or 635, had seen so much use that it had heavy brassing and worn knurling, but still seemed to function well. Some Yashicas give great service, some don't. My Seagull doesn't work, either.

 

[Kino]

Yeah, free market...

Like all those US Corporations, propped up on fat government subsidies...

A little patriot welfare anyone?

But we digress from the topic.

Later gramps

 

[Ed_Davor]

If you know anything at all about economics, son, it is that the market determines all in the business world. You, as the artist, may enjoy the shit out of one particular tool of the trade, while, on the other hand, your clients require, and pay you to use another. Reality is a bitch, isn't it, little one.

As I said before, I love my little 124G - I just don't rely on it to make my living.

Jesus, for the third time...

Is the problem simply that you can't show off with a yashica as you can with a hassie, or is there something wrong with the lens on the yashica that prevents you from using it for your work?

 

[paulownian]

"...(1)negative to be crystal sharp and softened at my decision. (2)I use multiple lenses on a single body, and (3)multiple backs. I can't stop shooting to reload in many cases."

I don't care about the damn name, but I must trust the tool to do it's job. Just as I wouldn't use the wrong tool in maintenance, I don't use the wrong tool in my photography business. Yes, Ed, the 124G takes crisp photos, it is even a joy to use, but do you honestly believe that it can handle the rigors of commercial work? Sometimes, I wonder if there is even a camera out there that will. But, IMHO, I use a Hasselblad, instead of the 124G, or the Bronica, or even the Mamiya products, because that is what I have found to be the best tool for my work. I don't know what else you are asking for, here.

 

[Ed_Davor]

Well thanks paul, that was what I wanted to know.

I assume the advantages a hassie would have over a yashica would be the same kind of advantages a 135 SLR would have over a point and shoot, though that doesn't mean a 35mm point and shoot couldn't make good pictures if it had a nice lens.

 

[paulownian]

Yes, Ed. You are correct. A Nikon FE, for example, has it's advantage in some situations, while at other times, a simple throw-away may be the best tool to create, or exhibit, your vision. Recognizing that fact is what makes a professional, a professional, and not an opinionated user with a preference for one tool over another.

 

[Ed_Davor]

Yes, exept I assume there is more difference between a plastic lens on a disposable and a Nikkor lens, then there is between a Zeiss Planar and a Yashica lens

 

[jimgalli]

Uh. Paul, You're sure full of yourself with all your double professional statements. I also make my living in photography. A pretty good one in fact. And I do know what I'm talking about. I'm happy you've found a good tool in your Hasselblad. Whoopee good for you. Your tone throughout this discussion has been arrogant at best. Demeaning at worst. If I had to shift gears and shoot weddings I'd probably look at high end digital. Thank goodness I don't.

 

[paulownian]

I looked at your work Jim, and you do do good photos. The rest of what you said ... well, I disregarded it. I don't give a damn wether you like me, respect me, hate me, or forget me. I expressed an opinion. On the other hand, I have worked in photography for 40+ years, and I know what I'm talking about also. I didn't start doing weddings and portraits until the past ten years, or so. I shoot with just about every format there is - so yes, Jim, I'm arrogant becaue I've been there. Don't read my postings if you can't handle another opinion.

 

[Mike Kovacs]

So, we are talking about the expectation a client has equipment-wise vs the actual results?

I'll tell you this, even a top of the line dSLR does not have the impression a MF SLR like a 'Blad brings to a job like a wedding or portrait shoot. It really depends on the type of work. E.g. what client would care what equipment a nature photographer uses when they only see the results and play no role in the capture process?

There is no question in my mind a TLR is up to the job quality-wise PROVIDED you can live with a normal lens and close focusing limitations.

 

[Kino]

I also mave a Yashica Mat and a Yashica D sitting on the shelf, but I haven't tried them out yet.

Sounds like a touch of GAS, doesn't it?

Russ

Russ,

Sure does! Ain't it grand?

I have a Yashica D that I dearly love, but it drives me bonkers with the decoupled film advance and shutter cocking lever. It is sooooo easy to forget where you are and either double expose or skip a frame, so you have to get a system going.

I try to not advance the film after I take a picture, so that I know I MUST wind the film, set the exposure (important point here -- the shutter speeds may not be accurate if you cock the shutter first and then change speeds!) and then cock the shutter.

This photo (there was a url link here which no longer exists) was shot on my Yashica D and I think it looks fine.

Although I have a "system", I still forget where I am , so YMMV.

Frank

 

[Papa Tango]

How soon they forget

I looked at your work Jim, and you do do good photos. The rest of what you said ... well, I disregarded it. I don't give a damn wether you like me, respect me, hate me, or forget me. I expressed an opinion. On the other hand, I have worked in photography for 40+ years, and I know what I'm talking about also. I didn't start doing weddings and portraits until the past ten years, or so. I shoot with just about every format there is - so yes, Jim, I'm arrogant becaue I've been there. Don't read my postings if you can't handle another opinion.

Well Paul, if you have been around that long, then certainly you must remember that in the 1960s and into the 1970s, the TLR was the workhorse of both portrait and wedding photographers. Rolleis and Yashicas. Two of them during wedding assignments. Yup. SLR did not begin to enter the picture in most places until later.

It's a matter of taste. Look at Mamiya's advertising. "Set yourself apart from the rest with professional looking equipment. You have made the grade, now show it." Yup. I just got me one too. But my money is made in 4x5, so MF moneymaking is moot to me. Hassy, Mamiya, Yashica. It's the photographer that makes the difference...

 

[b1bmsgt]

I have a Yashica D that I dearly love, but it drives me bonkers with the decoupled film advance and shutter cocking lever. It is sooooo easy to forget where you are and either double expose or skip a frame, so you have to get a system going.

I try to not advance the film after I take a picture, so that I know I MUST wind the film, set the exposure (important point here -- the shutter speeds may not be accurate if you cock the shutter first and then change speeds!) and then cock the shutter.

Hi Frank,

I agree. My first foray into MF was with a Ciro-flex (way back in January!!) and I got a lot of double exposures and blank frames until I worked out a system of my own. I got to where I would keep repeating to myself "wind, then shoot...wind, then shoot...). Then I got the 124G. It was so nice to get away from the red window that a few weeks ago I sold my main Ciro-flex, although I still have one that I am going to repaint and releather for my permanent collection.
I am now firmly hooked on MF, so much so that I hesitate to shoot much with my Electro 35's or Pentax's. I'm afraid I will be disappointed with the results, I'm so spoiled by MF sharpness.

Russ